Ap-Psych

Broca’s area

Broca’s area is a region in the frontal lobe of the brain associated with speech production and language comprehension. Damage to this area can result in expressive aphasia, where individuals struggle to produce speech while comprehension remains relatively intact.

Wernicke’s area

is a region in the temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension. Damage to this area can lead to Wernicke's aphasia, characterized by fluent but nonsensical speech and difficulty understanding spoken language. Individuals may produce long sentences that lack meaning.

Lesions

in the brain can disrupt normal function, leading to a variety of cognitive and physical impairments depending on their location. Cutting of neural connections, or destruction by chemical applications.

Computerized axial tomography

(CAT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, allowing for visualization of internal structures and potential abnormalities.

magnetic resonance imaging

(MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and tissues within the body, particularly useful for brain imaging.

evoked potentials

are measurements of electrical activity in the brain in response to sensory stimuli, used to assess the functioning of sensory pathways.

Positron emission tomography

(PET) is an imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to visualize metabolic processes and detect abnormalities in tissue function, often used in oncology and neurology.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes placed on the scalp. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy and sleep disorders.

Functional MR

I (fMRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, commonly used in research and clinical settings to assess brain function.

magnetic source image

(MSI) is a technique that measures brain activity by detecting magnetic fields generated by neural electrical activity, providing insights into brain function and connectivity. It is often used in conjunction with other imaging techniques to study brain dynamics and disorders.

Central nervous system

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating activities of the body.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system that includes all neural pathways outside the central nervous system, connecting the brain and spinal cord to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the body and the CNS.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, without conscious effort. It regulates essential processes to maintain homeostasis in the body.

Sympathetic stimulation

is part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress-related activities or emergencies, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic stimulation

is the counterpart to sympathetic stimulation, promoting the "rest and digest" state by calming the body and conserving energy after stress, facilitating recovery and maintenance functions.

Spinal cord

is a vital part of the central nervous system that conducts signals between the brain and the rest of the body, playing a crucial role in reflex actions and coordination of movements.

• gyri

are the ridges or folds on the surface of the brain that increase its surface area and are involved in various cognitive functions.

• sulci

are the grooves or indentations between the gyri on the surface of the brain, which help to increase its surface area and separate different regions involved in distinct cognitive functions.

fissures

are deep grooves in the brain that separate large regions or lobes, contributing to the brain's complex structure and functionality.

• Medulla

is a part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

• Pons

is a part of the brainstem located above the medulla that serves as a communication pathway between various parts of the brain, aiding in regulating sleep, respiration, and relaying signals between the cerebellum and cerebrum.

• Cerebellum

is a brain region located at the back of the skull that plays a key role in coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

asal ganglia

are a group of nuclei in the brain that are involved in coordinating movement and controlling motor functions, as well as contributing to several cognitive and emotional processes.

• Thalamus

is a large mass of gray matter located near the center of the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals, playing a crucial role in the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness.

• Hypothalamus

is a small region of the brain located below the thalamus that plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating functions such as temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. It also controls the endocrine system and influences emotional responses.

Hippocampus

is a crucial part of the brain involved in the formation of new memories, navigation, and learning. It plays a significant role in converting short-term memory into long-term memory.

• Cerebral cortex

is the outermost layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions such as sensory perception, cognition, reasoning, and voluntary movement control. It plays a key role in complex thought processes and integrates information from different parts of the brain.

• pituitary

gland is a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates various hormonal functions by controlling other endocrine glands. Neurogenesis